Kael’s POV.
My father’s words from the morning still echoed in my ears as I paced the castle halls, his sharp tone cutting through the haze of my growing frustration. The photo of me with the redhead wasn’t just a mistake-it was a threat. Someone wanted to see me fail, and worse, they had the means to do it. But I wasn’t about to let one slip-up ruin everything I was working toward.
The heavy thud of boots against the floor broke my train of thought. Alpha Ashford, my father, strode into my room without knocking, his presence suffocating as always. His cold blue eyes bore into me, his expression unreadable but tense.
“Kael,” he began, his tone clipped, “this is the last time we’re going to have this conversation.”
I forced myself to stand tall, my hands slipping into my pockets. “I already told you I’ll handle it.”
“You’ll handle it my way,” he snapped, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. “This isn’t just about you anymore. It’s about the pack, about the alliance. Do you even understand how much is riding on this engagement?”
I clenched my jaw. “I’m well aware.”
“Good,” he said, stepping closer. “Then act like it. You’ve embarrassed yourself enough with your little… escapades. It’s time to show Aria-and her family-that you’re serious about this. That you’re worthy of her.”
“And how exactly do you expect me to do that?” I asked, my voice edged with irritation.
“You’re going to buy her a ring,” he replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Not just any ring. The best. A five-carat diamond, at the very least. Something that screams devotion and commitment. You’ll do it today.”
I raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden demand. “A ring?”
“Yes, a ring,” he said, his voice rising slightly. “A symbol of your dedication. And I expect it to be flawless. No delays, no excuses.”
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “Fine. I’ll get the ring.”
“See that you do,” he said sharply, turning toward the door. But just as he stepped out, he paused and glanced back over his shoulder. “And Kael-don’t mess this up. If you fail me again, I’ll handle this myself.”
The door closed behind him with a thud, leaving me alone with the weight of his words.
—
*Later That Day*
The jeweler’s store dripped with opulence. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting warm light over rows of glass cases filled with diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires. The scent of polished wood and faint perfume lingered in the air.
A saleswoman approached me, her smile polished and professional. She was older, her dark hair pulled back into a tight bun, and her black suit exuded authority. “Good afternoon, sir,” she said. “How can I assist you today?”
“I’m looking for an engagement ring,” I said, keeping my tone even. “Something extraordinary.”
“Of course,” she said, her eyes lighting up as she motioned for me to follow her to a display case. “We have several options that might interest you. What size diamond are you looking for?”
“Five carats,” I said without hesitation. “Flawless.”
Her smile widened, and she opened the case, pulling out a tray of rings that sparkled like they had their own light source. “This one,” she said, lifting a stunning platinum band with a five-carat diamond, “is one of our finest pieces. It features a brilliant-cut diamond with perfect clarity and a halo of smaller stones for added brilliance. Truly a masterpiece.”
I studied the ring, turning it in the light as it shimmered. It was flawless, just as she’d promised, and outrageously expensive. Perfect. “I’ll take it,” I said, handing her my card.
“Excellent choice, sir,” she said, beaming. “I’ll have it boxed and ready for you shortly.”
As she walked away, I pulled out my phone and texted Jace.
“Meet me at the usual spot. I’ve got a plan.”
—
*An Hour Later*
The Ferrari purred to a stop outside a jewelry store on the other side of town. This one was worlds apart from the first-small, unassuming, and tucked away in a strip mall. It was the kind of place people went when they couldn’t afford the real thing.
Jace and Rylan were leaning against the wall outside, waiting for me. Jace grinned as I stepped out of the car, the box containing the engagement ring in my hand.
“Let me guess,” Jace said, smirking. “This is where the *real* magic happens?”
“You’ll see,” I said, motioning for them to follow me inside.
The interior of the shop was dimly lit, with cluttered displays and a faint smell of metal and chemicals. A wiry man with sharp eyes stood behind the counter, his gaze narrowing as we approached.
“What can I do for you?” he asked, his voice gruff.
I placed the black box on the counter and opened it, revealing the five-carat diamond ring. “I need you to make an exact copy of this,” I said.
The man’s eyes widened slightly as he examined the ring. “A copy?”
“Yes,” I said firmly. “Same design, same setting. But the diamond should be fake.”
He frowned, his fingers brushing over the ring as he studied it. “That’s a very expensive piece to replicate. It’ll take time.”
“Money isn’t an issue,” I said, pulling out a thick wad of cash and placing it on the counter. “I need it done in two days.”
The man hesitated, glancing between the cash and the ring, before nodding. “Two days. I’ll make it happen.”
As he took the ring to the back, Jace leaned in closer to me. “You’re really going to give her a fake ring?”
“Of course,” I said, smirking. “Why waste a perfect diamond on someone like Aria? She’ll never know the difference.”
Rylan crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. “And the real one?”
“I’ve already got a buyer lined up,” I said. “By this time next week, I’ll have made a fortune off this little exchange.”
“You’re playing with fire,” Rylan said, shaking his head. “If she finds out-”
“She won’t,” I said confidently. “Aria’s too naive to suspect anything, and even if she does, it’ll be too late. The engagement is just a formality, remember? She’s a pawn in a much bigger game.”
Jace chuckled, clapping me on the shoulder. “You’re ruthless, Kael. I like it.”
“Ruthless gets results,” I said with a grin.
—
*Two Days Later*
The fake ring was a work of art, a masterpiece that could fool even the most trained eye. Its brilliance was identical to the original, and the craftsmanship was flawless down to the smallest detail. Even as I tilted it under the shop lights, the way it caught the light was perfect.
The jeweler, a wiry man with glasses perched on the tip of his nose, handed it back to me with a smug, self-satisfied smile. I could tell he was proud of what he’d done, and honestly, he had every right to be.
“It’s flawless,” he said, watching my reaction carefully. His voice carried a hint of pride as though he was daring me to find a fault in his work.
I examined it one more time, holding the fake ring between my fingers. It was light, but it sparkled with the same brilliance as the original. I nodded, impressed by his skill, and slipped it back into the velvet box. “You’ve outdone yourself,” I said, my voice calm but approving. I reached into my pocket, pulling out another thick stack of cash, and slid it across the counter toward him. “Pleasure doing business with you. Keep this between us.”
The jeweler’s smile widened as his fingers brushed over the money. “Of course, sir,” he said quickly, bowing his head slightly. “Discretion is part of the service. No one will hear a word from me.”
“You’d better hope so,” I replied, my tone carrying a warning edge. I closed the box with a soft click and tucked it into my jacket. “Because if anyone finds out, I’ll know exactly where to come.”
The jeweler’s face paled slightly, and he nodded again, more vigorously this time. “Understood, sir. You can count on me.”
With that, I turned on my heel and walked out of the shop, the bell above the door jingling faintly as I pushed it open. Jace and Rylan were waiting just outside, leaning against the Ferrari with curious expressions.
“Well?” Jace asked, his grin widening as I approached. “Did he pull it off?”
I pulled the black box from my jacket and handed it to him. “Take a look for yourself,” I said.
Jace opened the box and let out a low whistle. “Damn, Kael. This could fool anyone. Even me.” He tilted the ring in the sunlight, watching it sparkle. “You’re really going to give this to Aria and pocket the real one?”
“That’s the plan,” I said, smirking as I slid into the driver’s seat of the Ferrari. “Aria will get her ring, my father will think everything is going according to plan, and I’ll walk away with enough cash to make this whole charade worthwhile.”
Rylan climbed into the passenger seat, closing the door with a thud. “You’re playing with fire, Kael,” he said, his voice low and serious. “If she ever finds out, it’s not just your father you’ll have to deal with. Her family won’t take this lightly.”
“She won’t find out,” I said, starting the engine. The roar of the Ferrari filled the air, drowning out the faint sounds of the street. “Aria wouldn’t know a real diamond from a piece of glass, and she’s too trusting to ever suspect me. As far as she’s concerned, I’ll be the perfect fiance.”
Jace chuckled from the backseat as I pulled out onto the road. “You’re a real piece of work, Kael. I almost feel bad for her.”
“Don’t,” I said, my eyes fixed on the road ahead. “She’s just a pawn in all of this. The engagement means nothing to me. It’s a transaction, nothing more.”
The drive back to the castle was smooth and uneventful, the fake ring resting securely in the passenger seat. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of satisfaction as I thought about how everything was falling perfectly into place. The real diamond was safely hidden, ready to be sold to the buyer I’d lined up, and the fake ring was so convincing that no one-not my father, not Aria, not even her family-would ever suspect a thing.
Jace leaned forward from the backseat, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “So, what are you going to do with the money from the real ring? I’m guessing it’s not going toward the wedding.”
I smirked, glancing at him in the rearview mirror. “Let’s just say I have plans. Big plans. But first, I need to get through this ridiculous engagement.”
Rylan shook his head, his arms crossed over his chest. “You’d better hope your plans don’t blow up in your face, Kael. One mistake, and this whole thing could come crashing down.”
“There won’t be any mistakes,” I said confidently. “I’ve got this under control.”
As I pulled into the castle driveway, the towering stone walls loomed ahead, casting long shadows in the late afternoon light. The fake ring was still in its box, untouched and perfect, waiting to be presented to Aria as a symbol of my so-called devotion.
Aria would never know the truth, my father would be satisfied, and I’d be one step closer to winning this game.